Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s face it, massages feel great! In addition to feeling good, did you know that massage:

• Promotes relaxation and helps decrease stress, anxiety, pain, and depression

• Enhances body awareness, increases quality of life

• Can improve quality of sleep, break up scar tissue and aid in healing physical injuries

Please arrive around 10 minutes early to ensure you find the location and off-street entrance. After check-in, you and your massage therapist will begin your session with a conversation about how you and your body are feeling. This is an opportunity to:

• Discuss any medical conditions relevant to your treatment

• Specify the amount of pressure you prefer

• Identify specific areas you want targeted

• Address any questions/concerns you have about your treatment session

After your therapist assesses your needs and explains what will take place during your treatment, they will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level and get situated on the table.  

Note: Our therapists are highly skilled and know how to perform massage safely. If you have any health issues, injuries, or chronic conditions it is important to discuss them with your therapist before your session. In some cases, clients with serious conditions such as cardiovascular conditions, heart problems, severe diabetes, or epilepsy, should speak to their doctor prior to their massage appointment.

Eating before a massage is fine, in fact, massage can actually aid in digestion by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. However, most sessions will have you spend a fair amount of time lying on your stomach, so a very heavy meal right before your session may cause some discomfort. It is important to hydrate before AND after your massage.

We understand that with today’s busy lifestyle, schedules often change.

Back to Center offers an industry-leading Mutual Late Cancellation Policy:

• Client cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment are subject to a $45 charge. Clients who no-show without prior notice will be charged 100% of the cost of the service booked.

• Therapist cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment will offer $45 off your next session at Back to Center. If a therapist ever no-shows without prior notice, the cost of the service is deducted from your next appointment at Back to Center.

• Cancellations due to COVID infection or reasonable risk of exposure are exempt.

• Appointments booked short-notice less than 24 hours beforehand are exempt.

Massages at Back to Center use lotion, cream, or oil and are done with the client undressed underneath a sheet and blanket. You are welcome to leave on as much clothing as you need to feel comfortable.

• A sheet will be draped around you at all times in a manner that ensures your safety, comfort and privacy.

• Clothed massages are available for folks that prefer a little extra modesty during their treatment.

• For those who would rather remain fully clothed we can create a custom session combining more sports techniques and Eastern modalities such as Shiatsu and Thai massage, but please alert us to this while booking your appointment.

• There could be instances where you are instructed by your therapist to bring shorts and/or sports bra for the specific intention of including muscle activation, stretching, and/or joint mobilization in a pre-planned bodywork session.

• A 60 minute session is enough time for a balanced, full body massage with an added emphasis on one or two of your “problem areas”.

• A 90 minute session is recommended for those who want a full body massage addressing extreme tension or many areas of concern.

• A 75 minute sessions is a happy medium-- time enough for a full body with a little more detailed work on your trouble areas than a 60 minute.

• Absolutely! If your neck and shoulders need a little extra TLC, be sure to tell your therapist during your assessment conversation.

• Back to Center specializes in deep tissue massage but each session is tailored to your specific needs. Deep tissue massage should feel intense but never painful.

• Your therapist will check in throughout the session to ensure you're receiving the pressure that is right for you but feel free to speak up if at any point you would prefer more or less pressure.

Tips are never expected, but always appreciated.  If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, the average tip ranges between 15-25%.

Yeah… Whale Songs and Pan Flutes don’t really do it for us either. Let us know what music YOU find relaxing by leaving a message in the appointment notes section when you book your appointment. Pick a genre, style, or artist and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!